Bill Nighy explains why he turned down Doctor Who role

Every time a new Time Lord comes around BBC bosses search for months before settling on their man. This year the coveted role has gone to The Thick Of It star Peter Capaldi, who jumped at the chance to play the part. But not everyone wants to step into that Tardis. Bill Nighy explains just why he turned down the role.

Bill Nighy has confirmed that he was approached to take on the role of Doctor Who.

He has explained just why the part is not for him, claiming that the huge fan attention around the show welcomes too much baggage.

The 63-year-old Love Actually actor has refused to disclose at what time he was approached to take over.

He told The Daily Express: "I won't tell you when, because the rule is that you are not allowed to say you turned that job down because it's disrespectful to whoever did it.

"I will say that I was approached. But I didn't want to be the Doctor.

"No disrespect to Doctor Who or anything, I just think that it comes with too much baggage."

Bill may not have wanted to play the Doctor, but he has appeared in the show once before.